This article was published on July 7, 2015

After 50 years, you can finally buy a working Star Trek Communicator


After 50 years, you can finally buy a working Star Trek Communicator

I have watched pretty much every episode of ‘Star Trek: The Original Series.’ My dad was a big fan. But I’m not a true trekker/trekkie (though I do know about that debate).

I’m certainly not one fanatical enough to buy this $149.95 official Star Trek Communicator.

star-trek-the-original-series-communicator-bluetooth-handset_670

It hooks up to your phone using Bluetooth, so it’s not too far from the indignity of a headset in some ways, but when it stars shipping in January 2016, it’ll bring a 50-year wait to an end.

Since Star Trek: TOS debuted in 1966, fans have wanted to get their hands on an officially sanctioned Communicator. This is the first licensed version to also be fully functional.

star-trek-the-original-series-communicator-bluetooth-handset_670-1

It’s being created The Wand Company and is based on structured-light 3D scans of the an original prop. It’s made of pressed and die cast metal, aluminium and textured ABS. It comes with a magnetic charging  stand, which has a multi-coloured LED to indicate charging status.

The makers of the Communicator have put a high quality microphone and speaker into the shell. But while it can play music and make calls when connected to your smartphone, it doesn’t support sub-space frequencies or give you enough range to go on an away mission.

Star Trek: The Original Series Communicator Bluetooth Handset [Star Trek.com via The Verge]

Read next: Play an adorable pixel art recreation of Star Trek: The Next Generation

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